increased understanding between diverse cultural groups and the wider community

increased engagement of general community groups in connecting and welcoming migrants and refugees into a wide range of community activities.

Program objective

Engage migrants, refugees and the wider community in building a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland.

Funding rounds in 2018–19

In 2018–19, the CMQ program will deliver two funding rounds:

The Multicultural Events funding round opened on 7 August 2018 and closed 14 September 2018.

The Multicultural Projects funding round opened on 5 November 2018 and closed 14 December 2018.

Multicultural events

Eligible applicants can apply for funding of up to $20,000 for multicultural events to be delivered in the following calendar year. Pending availability of funds, multi-year funding or sponsorship may be offered to selected events.

An event is considered as planning and delivery of:

a multicultural festival

a public or substantial gathering for the purpose of celebrating particular cultural traditions

cultural celebrations that involve people from a particular community or diverse cultural groups and the wider community.

Multicultural projects

A project is:

community based activities (such as workshops, training, skills development, knowledge and awareness raising, fostering social connections) to address an identified issue, which are conducted over a period of time with key deliverables/milestones and specified anticipated outcomes

benefits at an individual level, such as increased community participation, economic independence, inclusion or access to opportunities within the local community.

Eligible applicants can apply for funding of up to $40,000 for multicultural projects to be delivered in the 2019–20 financial year.

This funding round is for multicultural projects to be delivered in 2019–2020 that create pathways to participation for migrants and refugees in the cultural, economic, and social life of Queensland, for example:

to support migrants and refugees with pathways to employment

to increase understanding and build connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

to support community organisations, Councils and local industries to build their capacity to be responsive and inclusive of migrants and refugees

to increase participation of migrants and refugees in community associations, service clubs and sporting groups.

Multicultural Events

The successful recipients, under the 2018–19 funding round, have been announced.

Total funding of $1.3 million has been allocated to 152 events to be delivered across Queensland in 2019 that will build capacity to promote and celebrate the benefits of multiculturalism, supporting united, harmonious and inclusive communities. The funded events will aim to promote intercultural connections and inclusion.

The next funding round for multicultural events to be held in the 2020 calendar year will open in 2019.

Successful applicants

All applicants successful in receiving funding will be required to:

enter into a funding contract (PDF, 266KB) or sponsorship agreement and comply with the requirements and conditions of the agreement

acknowledge the Queensland Government funding on all promotional material associated with the funded event or project

submit an online Acquittal Report, or final report for sponsorships, by the specified due date

immediately inform Multicultural Affairs Queensland via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of any proposed changes to the funded event or project, e.g. change in activities, dates, and locations.

Multicultural Projects

The 2018–19 funding round for multicultural projects to be delivered in 2019-2020 is now closed.

The process of assessment and decision making may take several months with funding outcomes expected before the end of the 2018-19 financial year.

Funding outcomes for multicultural projects under the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program will be announced by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and will be promoted on the webpage. Applicants will also be notified by email of the outcome of their application.

Who can apply?

Incorporated organisations operating as a not-for-profit/charitable entity, Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and P&C Associations are eligible to apply for funding and must:

have a registered and current Australian Business Number (ABN) that is not for a commercial entity or individual; or hold an exemption from registration; or complete a Statement by Supplier form

hold public liability insurance to the value of not less than $10 million, or provide evidence of plans to obtain insurance to the value of not less than $10 million to cover the proposed event or project

have no overdue reports, or service delivery or performance issues for funding previously or currently provided by Multicultural Affairs Queensland.

How to apply

Ensure you read the relevant guidelines, FAQ fact sheet and preview the application form before applying.

Please note, late applications, including supporting documentation, are not accepted, and requests for an extension are not considered.

Help with applying

If you require information about the program or have questions after reading the Guidelines, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you need advice in developing a funding application, or if you require information about other funding sources, you can contact the Community Funding Access Advisor at MDA Ltd on (07) 3198 2500 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MDA Ltd is a non-government organisation and is independent of the grant assessment process.

For more information about applying online, you can read the SmartyGrants – Help Guide for Applicants. If you are having difficulties with your SmartyGrants user account or accessing your application once started, you can contact SmartyGrants directly:

Phone (03) 9320 6888

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SmartyGrants support desk hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Events calendar

Funded events are automatically included in the events calendar. Please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any updates to an event so they can be reflected in our online calendar.